In collaboration with Aliza #dreamteam #Tubbs
Brainstorming Ideas:
- Different material for construction, ideally waterproof but at minimum water resistant
- Potentially no velcro closure– instead a very flexible, stretchy, elastic material that the user slides their hand into rather than fixes on
- Oar grip; seems inconvenient to have to slide/shimmy the rubbery material down onto the oar– Use the same material but with fastenings to attach grips to different sized oars more efficiently
- Instead of elastic band, use more of a fingerless glove design including the thumb to avoid itchy stitching and chafing after prolonged use
- Brighter colors so the coaches can see how the hands move (bright red?)
- Use nanotech hydrophobic spray to waterproof gloves– Amazon reviews claim that when sprayed on suede, the texture of the material did not change
Key Questions:
How much warmth does the rower want from the gloves?
What kind of blisters do rowers get and specifically where? Is there a certain place that needs more protection than the rest of the hand?
Waterproof vs. water resistant– Does the grip aid need to be waterproof or does water resistance work as well? Should we be expecting the glove to be fully submerged in water?
Links:
http://www.ems.com/ea-how-to-choose-bike-gloves.html
https://www.rei.com/product/892708/pearl-izumi-elite-gel-bike-gloves-mens
https://www.amazon.com/Tarrago-Hightech-Nano-Protector-Spray/dp/B003U47QBY
A gymnastics grip might be a possible reference point for different holds
I like Alex’s idea! You guys covered the glove component of the device super well and I think you have a solid design. The device to connect the glove to the oar may need to be developed a little further.
I really like the no velcro idea where it is just a pull on. I think over all that will make it more comfortable and less cumbersome.
I like the idea of the different attachments to the oar, especially if it could be safer. I’m curious if these gloves would be adjustable so multiple people could wear them or if they are specific to one person (flexible sizing, or set size).
I like your idea of eliminating the cumbersome task of having to slide the attachment onto the oar. I’d look into what kinds of fastenings would be more efficient to attach but also reliable and sturdy enough to not lose an oar when rowing.
I love that you thought of the alternate uses of the gloves, like the coaches easily seeing the rowers’ hands. I see what you are saying about the slide/shimmy motion and I agree that a way to fasten them on instead could be much easier.
I think that taking away the Velcro strap might make it difficult for the product to reach a wide selection of people, because of varying hand sizes.